It’s hard being an expat parent. Helping your child adjust to a new environment, school, friends, food etc is a hefty task under the best circumstances, but being an expat with a differently-abled child offers some unique challenges.
The same is true of expat teachers. Navigating the social customs in a foreign school, designing a new curriculum, and figuring out how to function in your own day to day life while still providing the best possible resources to your students and families takes on an entirely new layer when you know one of your students requires extra attention and support.
These are not complaints. Parents and teachers do what they do out of love and a desire to give all of our children the best possible life and education. But everyone needs a little help once in a while. That is where SENIA can be an invaluable resource to anyone working with children.
SENIA stands for Special Education Network and Inclusion Association. It is a nonprofit global network of educators, professionals, and parents on a mission to advocate, support, and provide resources to differently-abled individuals. There are more than 25 chapters around the world including one here in Beijing. They provide, newsletters, specialist listings, events, and networking opportunities as well as an active WeChat group to offer support and information. You can find them on we chat under the group name SENIA-Beijing!
Their upcoming conference promises to be an exciting and educational event. It kicks off on April 22 with a special screening and discussion of The Kids We Lose with the official conference beginning on April 23 from 9am-4.15pm. Parents and educators can attend virtually or in person at the Harrow School. There is no fee for the event but attendees are encouraged to make a donation to help support the programs.
The full conference schedule is also on their website and you can easily register at the QR code above.
In other SENIA news they are currently expanding their award and scholarship programs. If you know of a worthy individual you can nominate them for the World Changer award for individuals in the community that make a difference in the area of inclusiveness and a Student Award that provides a scholarship for a differently-abled student on their website.
https://www.seniainternational.org/beijing/
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Images: Seniainternational.org/beijing, pexels, giphy